It was over breakfast when she told me. My niece reached across the restaurant table we both sat at, leaning over her pancakes and my eggs and bacon, and said, “I have something to tell you.”
At almost four-years-old, it seemed important to her. “What’s up?” I asked.
She scooted off the booth chair and came nearer. “It’s a secret,” she said. Then she leaned closer, her lips next to my ear, and whispered softly, “I love you.”
I loved her secret: a love song she’d deemed important enough to interrupt our breakfast for and whisper in my ear. It was said softly but reverberated loudly in my heart and mind for the rest of the day.
Sometimes the quietest things mean the most — the murmurs of a mother rocking her child to sleep, the way a husband and wife make eye contact across a room without saying anything, how friends can sit in comfortable silence during a long road trip.
It can feel like what I hear most loudly is God’s silence. I’ll sit and listen for His voice, fed up and frustrated when I don’t hear something in the five measly minutes I’ve set aside for Him.
But perhaps silence doesn’t always equal absence. When I sit in silence with a close friend, I don’t feel awkward. Instead their silence is a comfort to me — a reminder that even if they have no words, they have presence in my life.
I read the beginning of John 8 this morning, and before Jesus ever spoke to the woman caught in adultery, He looked down, silent. But He was still present. His silence did not equal absence or judgment. And when Elijah hid in the mountain of Horeb (1 Kings 19), He encountered the Living God — not with a miraculous sign or a mighty voice but in an almost silent whisper.
During this Easter season it can be easy to focus primarily on Good Friday, on the pain our Savior endured for us. Each year, it wrecks me. Then we eagerly fast forward to Easter Sunday: the best, most life-changing news our world could experience.
But in the middle of those two days lies Saturday — silent. It feels like crickets. I try to imagine how the disciples felt that first Easter, particularly on the Saturday when Jesus was dead and buried in a tomb. I can’t fathom it: Jesus was dead. Everything His disciples and followers had been a part of for the last three years was suddenly over. I wonder if they asked themselves, quietly, terrifyingly, eyes rubbed raw with grief, “What if everything I’ve believed about God is a lie?”
Have you ever wondered the same?
It can be easy to believe there are times when God stops talking — when we can’t feel His presence, when the nights feel dark and long, when people’s opinions feel loud. Sometimes God’s silence has us questioning everything.
But God isn’t afraid of silence or the dark. Even on that first Saturday — when the friends of Jesus had probably shuttered themselves in a room, cocooning themselves in a bed, praying that everything they believed wasn’t a lie — Jesus was preparing a way through the dark.
Perhaps God’s silence is a comfort, a reminder, a presence that actually speaks volumes, telling us, “I’m right here with you. I’m not going anywhere.”
Perhaps God is nearer than we ever imagined. It may feel like He’s quiet but maybe it’s because He is so close — His mouth to your ear, His breath tickling your neck, never far from reach, close enough that you could reach out and touch Him.
Maybe He whispers because He is so near in proximity. He doesn’t need to yell or talk very loudly because He has always been close by. A still, small voice, murmuring love songs over breakfast. His right hand beside you, ready to catch you when you reach out. Leaning over the table, His lips next to your ear, whispering softly, “I love you.”
Emmanuel, God with us — on earth-shattering Fridays and resurrection Sundays and every silent Saturday in between — who quietly comes nearer, and nearer, and nearer still.
Ruth Mills says
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you, Aliza, for sharing your gift with us. Blessings.
Aliza Latta says
Thank you so much, Ruth!
Bettye says
I, like most people, overlook Saturday and the silence. Good Friday and Easter Sunday are at the forefront of our minds with all the attention. But, as you say, Silent Saturday is actually speaking “volumes, telling us, “I’m right here with you. I’m not going anywhere.” What a blessed thought! This Saturday will hold a different meaning to me this year. Thank you for your beautiful words. And thank you to your sweet niece for her whispered love.
Aliza Latta says
So grateful to hear this. Thank you!
Donna says
Aaah Aliza, this is so beautifully written! What beautiful descriptions of Gods presence.
Aliza Latta says
He is so close to us, Donna! Thank you
Susen says
Tears reading this. Each morning I sit quietly with GOD for a few minutes and just try to hear what He wants me to for that day. Some days I don’t hear anything and I wonder why and wish I did so sometimes I just sit and quiet with my mind focused on Him. Your story reminds me and shows me that even in the quiet God IS there even stronger than I could ever imagine.
God Bless and Happy Easter
Aliza Latta says
Much, much love to you Susen! I love that: even in the quiet, God is there even stronger than we could ever imagine. Beautiful.
Cheyla says
Aliza this was perfect, and clearly something I needed to read because it touched my soul and gave me a glimmer of hope. Bless you and your awesome gift!
Aliza Latta says
So thankful it gave you a glimmer of hope. Bless you, Cheyla!
Kathy says
This is perfect – everything you write touches my heart and speaks to my soul, even though I am several decades older than you. God has blessed you with wisdom beyond your years. ❤️
Aliza Latta says
Thank you, Kathy – and truly so grateful Jesus spoke to you this morning. Much love
Lisa Wilt says
Bless you! You write beautifully showing others the beauty in knowing Jesus!
Aliza Latta says
Thank you Lisa!!
Stephanie says
Beautiful. I needed this, Aliza. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️
Sheila says
A lovely message to meditate on, Aliza! I was in “speed read” mode, but slowed down to savor the words.
Tanya Villani says
WOW! My heart melted with joy as I read this. I have been where you are Aliza. I so needed this reminder!
I am forever grateful for the email today with exciting news!! Congratulations! Rejoicing with all of you!!! ❤
I praise Adonai for how He has inspired your hand to write with such authenticity, vibrancy & expression. Being a visual learner, as I read this my Mom, I had to frequently pause, to process what you had written.
We both said, “aww,” as you describe, “as a four year old….” Honestly, I made an incorrect assumption about what your niece was about to spill. That secret, I realize now, is a priceless memory you now have stored up in your soul, to treasure forever.
My heart continues to expand with joy Alliza, during those “silent” times. I don’t cry pretty but, for me, it’s always been soothing to my soul. With God’s Omniscience, those tears are starting to bloom a new sweet aroma, with God’s glory being manifested in my life. A brand new chapter, in my pilgrimage with Jesus.
I like to switch my devotionals every few months or years. It’s always been about God’s timing. I do my best, with & in, His excellence, to seek His guidance & clarity about what to read.
I had not picked up “A Moment to Breathe,” 365-Day (in)courage Devotional Journal since August of 2021. As I opened it up, my hand landed on page 225, August 10, “When God Anoints You but Doesn’t Appoint You.”
Today has become a spiritual marker & confirmation of God’s calling. To continue to believe God has never wasted any suffering in my life. That suffering keeps my heart open & teachable, to have childlike faith.
I learn with part of each learning style. However, visual & memorization suite me best. That faith keeps my imagination stirring.
His Joy truly is my Strength & to continue steadfastly preparing for His Perfect Will, here on earth & as it is in Heaven.
Beth Williams says
Aliza,
Great insights. God is with us always. He is speaking to us in His special ways. Sometimes it’s through people, nature, music or just a feeling. We have to be aware& quiet enough to hear His still small voice. I remember years ago when dating my husband I was going to his house for a second date. I was nervous about what might happen. God gently calmed my insecurities by playing “God is in Control” by Twila Paris. Just out of my driveway I shouted the lyrics God is in control & immediately a calm came over me & I felt like the devil fled. He didn’t audibly speak to me directly but via that song gave me a sense of peace. He can do that when we least expect it. Just be on lookout & listen for His still small whispers.
Blessings 🙂
Pearl Allard says
Aliza, your writing always seems to know how to reach my heart in the same way your niece whispered words of love. Thanking God for you.
Sandy says
Hello
I so enjoyed this Testimony!
I sure hope there are many
People reading these!
If we find it hard to put things
In words with others.
A smile would make someone’s
Day…
Hugs
Sandy
Vicky says
“But in the middle of those two days lies Saturday — silent. It feels like crickets. ” Jesus was resting in the grave because it was Sabbath. I imagine his disciples were worshiping in the Synagogue on Sabbath just as He did (when He was with them), even if they were in shock and mourning.